The University of Ilorin on Wednesday hosted a grand Investiture and Recognition Ceremony in honour of 50 notable alumni, 10 distinguished graduates, and two exceptional contributors to the institution’s growth, as part of its ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The event, held at the University Auditorium, brought together dignitaries, scholars, alumni, and friends of the university in an atmosphere of celebration, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the institution’s future.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, said the occasion was not only to honour those who have made remarkable contributions to the university but also to reflect on how far the institution has come since its establishment in 1975.
“This event is a significant part of the ongoing celebrations marking our 50th anniversary as a university. Our honourees, Ambassadors, Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Award of Excellence, were selected for their loyalty, selfless support, and exceptional achievements that align with our Better by Far ethos,” Prof. Egbewole stated.
He noted that the university began its Golden Jubilee celebrations on January 6, 2025, with the unveiling of its 50th anniversary logo, followed by an international conference that drew participants from across the globe, reinforcing the institution’s status as a globally relevant university.
Highlighting the honourees, the Vice-Chancellor praised Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, a 1984 medical graduate, for sponsoring 40 academic staff to international conferences with a ₦200 million commitment, and for donating a brand-new Hilux vehicle and contributing to the acquisition of an Anatomage machine for medical training.
He also commended Dr. Murthada Adeniji, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, for donating a 90KVA solar power system and a Hilux vehicle to support campus operations, describing both men as “exemplary donors whose unsolicited contributions truly reflect the saying: one good turn deserves another.”
Chairman of the UNILORIN 50th Anniversary Committee, Professor Olugbenga Mokuolu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the university’s gratitude to its alumni and supporters and unveiled a series of activities lined up for the grand finale of the anniversary from November 23 to 28, 2025.
The highlights include a thanksgiving service, roadshow, alumni colloquium, fundraising dinner, and a keynote address by Prof. PLO Lumumba, a renowned African scholar and advocate of good governance.
Prof. Mokuolu also announced the launch of a ₦50 billion Endowment Fund, which will finance key infrastructural and academic projects including upgraded research facilities, welfare infrastructure, a Techno and Industrial Park, and a Centre for Stem Cell Research.
He called on the alumni community and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund, stressing that “your support will ensure that the next 50 years are even more impactful than the last.”
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor A.A. Adeoye, described UNILORIN as a brand that has transitioned from a “local champion” to a “global competitor,” producing successful professionals in all fields across its 16 faculties.
He encouraged all alumni to see themselves as custodians of the university’s legacy.
“Unilorin is our great Eldorado,” Prof. Adeoye declared. “Despite trials and criticisms, we have remained true to our ideals. Our detractors are tired, and we have triumphed.”
The award categories included: Award of Excellence (2 recipients), Distinguished Alumni (10 recipients) and Unilorin Ambassadors (50 recipients). Special recognitions were also given to alumni sets, including: 1984 Medical Graduates, 1992 Agriculture Graduates and 2003 Accounting and Finance Graduates.
Also in his key note address at the event, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and First Kuliyan of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN urged the audience to cultivate attitude of giving saying that, the heart of giving is the heartbeat of humanity.
“Those who give back, give forward. Let us give back to our universities with our resources, our time our talents and our hearts, not out of obligation but out of gratitude and vision. “Ali added.
He also said,”let us leave this gathering determined,not just to succeed but to support. Not just to rise but to raise others as the saying goes “we rise by raising others.
